Budget Overview
Backpacker
$50–75/day
per day
Mid-range
$120–200/day
per day
Luxury
$280–500/day
per day
Day-by-Day Itinerary
- 1
Arrive Bangkok — Pre-Songkran Build-up
Bangkok- Check in to Bangkok hotel
- Buy water gun at any 7-Eleven (50–200 THB)
- Light water-throwing already begins around Khao San Road on April 12
Bangkok hotel near Khao San or Sukhumvit$50·$130·$320 - 2
Bangkok Cultural Day Before Madness
Bangkok- Grand Palace and Wat Pho (open during Songkran but check timings)
- Lunch in safe (dry) restaurant
- Evening Khao San Road for early Songkran water fights
Same hotel$50·$140·$340 - 3
Fly to Chiang Mai — Songkran Day 1 (April 13)
Chiang Mai- Early Bangkok–Chiang Mai flight (book before Songkran chaos)
- Check in to hotel near Old City moat
- Afternoon water fights on the moat — Tha Phae Gate is the centre
- Dinner at a covered restaurant
Domestic flightChiang Mai hotel near the moat$80·$180·$380 - 4
Chiang Mai Songkran Peak (April 14)
Chiang Mai- Full day water fights — bring waterproof phone case, dry bags, change of clothes
- Tha Phae Gate is the most intense
- Evening Songkran Walking Street (Tha Phae closed to traffic)
Same hotel$60·$150·$320 - 5
Chiang Mai Songkran Final Day (April 15)
Chiang Mai- Final day water fights (calmer than April 14)
- Visit Wat Phra Singh for traditional Buddha-pouring ceremonies (the religious origin of Songkran)
- Optional escape to Doi Suthep for quieter afternoon
Same hotel$50·$140·$300 - 6
Fly to Koh Samui — Recover on the Beach
Koh Samui- Chiang Mai–Koh Samui or via Bangkok
- Check in to Koh Samui resort (Bo Phut or Maenam for quieter)
- Beach evening, no more water fights
Domestic flight (1.5h direct)Koh Samui beach resort$80·$200·$500 - 7
Koh Samui Beach Day & Departure
Koh Samui- Lazy beach morning
- Final lunch at Bo Phut Fisherman's Village
- Transfer to Samui airport, depart
N/A$50·$140·$350
Plan Your Trip
Bangkok
Chiang Mai
Koh Samui
Disclaimer
Daily budgets are approximate and based on typical costs. Prices vary by season, exact accommodation choice, and spending habits. Always check current transport prices before booking.